Carousel Kings

Fractals

“A whimsical, emotional and introspective rollercoaster” - ROLLING STONE“An instant force to be reckoned with” - TATTOO"One of 2017's best albums” - ROCK SOUND“Carousel Kings really is an enigma” - OUTBURN“Every track here is one to love” - NEW NOISE“Early contender for punk album of the year - HEAVY

CAROUSEL KINGS have anchored their name as one of the most ambitious and creative rock machines in recent years. The Lancaster, PA music scene has definitely had an influence on CAROUSEL KINGS - the same town that bred the metal bands August Burns Red, Texas In July, and This Or The Apocalypse. It gave them the idea that it was possible to be a national act, to go for it. Having grown up there, influenced by heavy bands, but wanting to do something different, CAROUSEL KINGS did just that. The band wanted to be as poppy as possible but stay true to their roots, keeping the edginess, and the ethic, in place.

While CAROUSEL KINGS was founded by singer David Alexander in 2008, it was a couple of years until this revolving door line-up of friends, playing for camaraderie and fun, started to really focus on the band as a nationally touring act. The band released their debut album A Slice of Heaven on CI Records in 2012, followed by an EP Road Warrior later that year. CAROUSEL KINGS then recorded a Spanish version, as well as Reggaeton version of the single “Baby” (from A Slice of Heaven). A couple other EPs and singles followed on CI, and their tenure with the label culminated in the release of the highly celebrated second full-length album Unity in 2014. Soon thereafter, the CAROUSEL KINGS were truly united with the permanent addition of bassist Cody Williams and New Jersey natives Will Barovick on guitar and Danny Wilkins on drums.

It’s been a non-stop road trip for CAROUSEL KINGS as the band toured extensively, performing with Panic! At The Disco, Less Than Jake, Rise Against, City Lights, and the 2015 Vans Warped Tour.

When CAROUSEL KINGS were thinking of a title for album number three, they wanted to find a name that was tranquil, yet matches their glossy popmelodies and arena-sized hooks. Charm City is about that dream place, a trippy world shared by all, yet unique to the individual. “This is the place where I go in my dreams,” says Alexander. “I want to connect the listener to my ‘Charm City’, and realize that they too can envision and live in their own ‘Charm City’ whenever they want to.”

The concept behind the artwork was envisioned by famed visual designer Archan Nair, known for his collaborations with Kanye West and Lindsay Lohan. On the album cover, Alexander states, “The idea is a floating emerald city meets Neverland meets Atlantis type place. A place you always have the urge to go back to because as beautiful as it is, the mystery is forever and it’s an everlasting escape. There is only one road to the city, and it’s in YOU.”

Having recorded nearly every previous piece of CAROUSEL KINGS material, producers Grant McFarland and Carson Slovak were called back to Atrium Audio (Candlebox, August Burns Red) in early 2016 to record Charm City. August Burns Red bassist/vocalist Dustin Davidson lends his voice on the track “Something Isn’t Right.”

“We hope this record can connect both on an entertaining, fun level, and also get people thinking outside the box with regards to what it is they can accomplish,” admits Alexander. “Anything is possible. Create your own ‘Charm City,’ and go for it!”

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Visit Alternative Press to watch the premiere of Carousel Kings’ new music video “Fractals” from Charm City.

Vocalist David Alexander explains, “The song itself is about realizing that reality isn't as real as it seems. Reality is all a matter of perspective. The only constant in life is change. Whatever thoughts you constantly think about are the situations and circumstances you will attract into your life. ‘Fractals’ is about recognizing patterns in your life in relation to the thoughts you project or visualize.

“The first warped tour I attended was in 2005 and ever since it's always been my favorite tour of the summer,’ explains CAROUSEL KINGS vocalist David Alexander. “So many great bands to be exposed to, and developing bonds between music fans of all genres. Being a part of it two years ago was definitely the best time of my life. To be part of such a historic, legendary tour, it feels surreal being back a second time.” CAROUSEL KINGS are currently on tour in support of their latest release Charm City.

Texas metal rangers SHATTERED SUN are also joining the summer caravan, as the band recently finished studio sessions for their sophomore release. “So many great memories were experienced at Warped Tour over the years, from passing out in the heat raging to August Burns Red, to crowd surfing during A Day To Remember,” relives front-man Marcos Leal. “We are extremely excited to be a part of this year’s Vans Warped Tour and its phenomenal line up!” Guitarist Jessie Santos adds, “I know this tour will be a banger every single day. We'll be sharing our new tunes and old favorites with you so come on out and jam with us this summer!”

Carousel Kings’ new album, Charm City, is in-stores and available digitally now. Get the album on sale at FYE and your favorite independent record stores, as well as Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and everywhere digital music is available. Package deals including vinyl pre-orders, various merch, posters and more are available at VictoryMerch.com.

“We are so excited to finally have our Victory Records debut out there for the world to hear,” exclaims front-man David Alexander. “We would like to dedicate the album to our fans, whose constant words of encouragement are what keep us going. We love each and every one of you, and hope these songs find you well. Connections made via the love of music is something that is priceless.”

CAROUSEL KINGS have announced ‘The Charm Cities Tour,’ ahead of the release of their Victory Records debut, Charm City, available in-stores February 10th. Swedish label mates ABANDONED BY BEARS and special guests BAD CASE OF BIG MOUTH join the nearly seven week trek which begins March 2nd in Secaucus, NJ, and covers North America before concluding April 13th in CAROUSEL KING’s hometown of Lancaster, PA as part of the Launch Music Conference.